Green Tea - Evidence for Reduced Risk of Cancer
Laboratory studies performed by the The National Cancer Institute
have shown promising results in animal testing. Studies on mice with
chemically induced liver, skin and stomach cancers showed that those
that were fed green and black tea showed a reduced size in tumor cell growth.
The antioxidants in green tea
or catchins, were also shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Research on human subjects yielded somewhat contradictory results. This, however, is believed to be related more with environmental, dietary and cultural differences and not necessarily with the ineffectiveness of the antioxidants in Green and Black tea. For example, 2 studies involving 18,000 subjects in China where Green Tea is a dietary staple showed that green tea drinkers were 50% less likely to develop stomach and esophageal cancer than their non Green Tea drinking counterparts. While studies done in the Netherlands involving Black Tea consumption did not support the findings between Tea consumption and reduced cancer rates. That being said, The National Cancer Instutute continues to study Green Tea as a possible risk reducer in skin and prostate cancer. For example, an on going study is currently investigating the risk reducing effects on sun related skin cancers by using Green Tea in pill form.
While results are not 100% conclusive, it should be noted that consuming Green Tea can only help in preventing cancer. Considering that Green Tea, asided from the effects of caffeine on sleep which can easily be eliminated with decaf, has little to no side effects on most people. Even if consuming Green Tea can lower your odds by a few percent it is still worth considering including Green Tea in your diet.
Suggested Green Tea Products
Gourmet Green Tea Sampler
Green Tea Extracts
